The first half ended with an energetic performance by Caroline Holte backed up by Kenzie MacMillan with their rendition of “Black Horse and a Cherry Tree,” which was infused with energy.

Musical theater students such as Sarah Busic, Élan Kramer, Jackson Tupy and Karina Parker performed as themselves rather than in character or costume. Especially notable was Chandler Davis’ ballad of another Beatles’ tune, “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and Makenna ZurSchmiede’s rendition of “Killing Me Softly.”

In addition to rehearsing every number, Shapiro accompanied each performance. It’s a task he’s taken on annually since 1979, when students asked him to perform to help them raise money for graduation activities.